Moving on from Weiser’s Vision of Calm Computing: Engaging UbiComp Experiences

Abstract

Abstract.A motivation behind much UbiComp research has been to make our lives convenient, comfortable and informed, following in the footsteps of Weiser's calm computing vision. Three themes that have dominated are context awareness, ambient intelligence and monitoring/tracking. While these avenues of research have been fruitful their accomplishments do not match up to anything like Weiser's world. This paper discusses why this is so and argues that is time for a change of direction in the field. An alternative agenda is outlined that focuses on engaging rather than calming people. Humans are very resourceful at exploiting their environments and extending their capabilities using existing strategies and tools. I describe how pervasive technologies can be added to the mix, outlining three areas of practice where there is much potential for professionals and laypeople alike to combine, adapt and use them in creative and constructive ways.

The Changing Face of Human-Computer Interaction in the Age of Ubiquitous Computing

“…In addition, I argue that we need to design new technologies to encourage people to be proactive in their lives, performing ever greater feats, extending their ability to learn, make decisions, reason, create, solve complex problems and generate innovative ideas [9]. Such a view, however, is in sharp contrast with the prevailing vision of 'calm computing' that has influenced much of the research in ubiquitous computing, that was originally proposed by Mark Weiser in the early 90s.…”

“…I argue that a quite different mindset is needed than the 'easy-to-use' and 'comfortable living' philosophies that have motivated much HCI and ubiquitous computing research. A new research agenda is proposed which sets out how to augment everyday activities using the portability, pervasiveness and computational power of ubiquitous infrastructures and mobile devices [8,9]. Examples from some of my current research projects are presented to illustrate this alternative approach; one that is based more on exploring human values than simply offering prescriptive advice.…”

Understanding Mobile Notification Management in Collocated Groups

“…However, Rogers (2006) notes that efforts of constructing such automated systems have failed to meet the expectations evoked by labels such as 'context awareness'. This is perhaps due to the unpredictable and dynamic nature of context (Greenberg, 2001).…”

Understanding the Dynamics of Engaging Interaction in Public Spaces

“…This perspective on engagement focuses our attention on how people, as resourceful individuals and groups, invest their time, skill, knowledge, and imagination in interactive environments. As argued by Rogers [30], it prompts us to consider how people proactively use their capacities through technology, and how technology supports the use and extension of skills. By identifying engagement as a perspective on interaction, we position it at the same level of abstraction as notions such as 'usability', 'embodiment' [8], and 'affect' [12], as perspectives on interaction.…”

“…[30]) to more detailed studies exploring particular design strategies for sparking engagement ( [14], [4]), or concepts for understanding how particular attributes support engagement (e.g. [10]).…”